Animal Cast of 101 DALMATIANS Receive Their Own Tour Bus

The New York Post recently took a look behind the scenes of the current tour of 101 DALMATIANS, specifically looking at the difficulties of having a cast of 15 dogs. According to the report, the dogs have received their own tour bus and enjoy more luxuries than many of the cast members.

Company manager George Anthony said, "One of the biggest challenges is being respectful of the actors." He noted that at one opening party, the walls were filled with floor-to-ceiling pictures of the dogs and only minimal sized pictures of the cast's equity actors.

Chief animal trainer Joel Slaven said working with these animals are difficult. "Dalmatians are bred for the beauty of their spots," he said. They are not, however, known for their behavior.

To read the full article from the New York Post, click here.

Based on the beloved book by Dodie Smith, THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is a one-of-a-kind adventure for the entire family. The musical is led by an award-winning creative team including four-time Tony Award winning director Jerry Zaks (A Bronx Tale, Smokey Joe's Café, Guys and Dolls), acclaimed bookwriter and co-lyricist BT McNicholl (Billy Elliot, Spamalot, The IT Girl), and Dennis DeYoung, founding member of the legendary rock band STYX, on board as composer and co-lyricist.

In keeping with the spirit of the beloved original story, THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL provides a quirky, upside-down view of the world, where the audience is allowed to see life from a dog's point of view. The stage musical will transport theatergoers into an exciting and altogether fantastic reality that gives grand license for song, dance and spectacle. In addition to the bevy of talented human actors, THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL will showcase fifteen talented Dalmatians, many of which were rescued from animal shelters across the country and given a new lease on life with this starring role.

Heading the cast of 30 is Broadway's Sara Gettlefinger who will play the infamous Cruella De Vil. Featuring James Ludwig as Pongo, the cast also includes Chip Abbott, Joel Blum, Sammy Borla, Jeff Scot Carey, Kristy Cavanaugh, Lydia Clemente, Piper Curda, Joseph Dellger, Madeleine Doherty, Ashley Blair Fitzgerald, Julie Foldesi, Garrett Hawe, Michael Thomas Holmes, Robert Anthony Jones, Kevin C. Loomis, Erin Maguire, Mike Masters, Neal Mayer, Catherine Missal, Ah-Niyah Yonay Neal, Catia Ojeda, Clark Kelley Oliver, Chuck Ragsdale, Gabriel Rush, Molly Sorohan, Kendra Tate, Kristen Beth Williams and Emma Zaks.

THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL follows Dalmatians spouses Pongo and Missis Pongo who are living the good life in London with their "pets" Charles and Catherine Dearly. When their 10 puppies are suddenly "dognapped" by the villainous Cruella de Vil, they summon the help of a vast network of dogs and set off to rescue their pups. There's a happy ending for all with laughter, mayhem and music along the way.

The show's contemporary score and soundtrack was composed by Grammy nominated and People's Choice Award winner Dennis DeYoung. As former singer of the legendary rock band STYX, DeYoung composed such unforgettable, timeless hits as "Babe," "Come Sail Away," "The Best of Times" and "Mr. Roboto." With THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL, he brings his pop rock flair to an array of original songs destined to become popular material to kids and adults alike. These include: "One-Hundred-and-One Dalmatians," "Twilight Barking," "One True Love," "Cruella Always Gets Her Way" and "Be A Little Braver."

For tickets to the Madison Square Garden engagement and more information about 101 DALMATIANS, visit www.the101dalmatiansmusical.com.